Colombia's Leader Declares 'I Will Return to Arms Again' if United States Intervenes Militarily.

Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume of their exchange, heightening tensions between the two countries following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.

Escalating Threats and Accusations

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader threatened similar use of force against Colombia, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."

While Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the business.

A Frayed Relationship

The country has long been a key ally of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.

Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations including the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.

Petro's Strong Answer

When asked whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he declared.

"He comments uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted online.

"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the president, which a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.

From Insurgent to Statesman

He passed part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.

"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he vowed.

Increased Security and Cross-Political Rejection

The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s protection team was strengthened.

Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.

Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions

Washington withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and various associates.

Concurrently while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.